As the US-China trade war unfolds, some on social media have called on people in Hong Kong to support China as an act of patriotism. They have urged the public to unload the US dollar and buy the yuan, which has fallen in value against the US currency since the trade war began. However, such actions would constitute a mere drop in the ocean. Indeed, it would be a strategic advantage for China to have a weak currency to boost trade with other countries.

In my opinion, the best way for Hong Kong to play a constructive role is to team up with top mainland scientists and experts in innovation to leverage new technologies to bolster productivity and hasten the shift of the country’s economy from exports to an innovation-driven one. This will have the added benefit of Hong Kong becoming a more innovative city as well.

Cindy Tse Man-woon, Kwai Chung

China might have to accept that it has lost to Trump

It’s alarming that all nations except China are settling their trade disputes with the United States. It almost feels as if China is intentionally being treated as least important in the eyes of President Donald Trump in settling his trade war. Since all the countries that have settled have negotiated a losing agreement with Trump, who has made it clear that he insists on his country being the winner in all negotiations, it’s hard to believe free trade with America is possible any more.

We have entered an unfair battle of economics, with China being continuously blamed for a situation that global fair trade policies have created. Nevertheless, I believe China will have to bow down, like Canada has, to America and resolve this matter for the good of its own economy. It’s an unfair battle if one’s opponent is a superpower like the US.